JSU Soccer blanks Alabama State

MONTGOMERY – Jacksonville State netted a pair of goals in the first 15 minutes of its Sunday match with Alabama State to cruise to a 3-0 win over the Hornets at the Alabama State Soccer Stadium.

The win moved the Gamecocks to 4-4 on the season and the first win of their four-match road trip that began last Sunday. JSU picked up a weekend split after falling to Troy on Friday evening. ASU fell to 3-5 overall.

Junior Kelsey Bright registered her sixth goal of the season almost 10 minutes deep in to the contest. The Kingwood, Texas native lofted a ball over the Hornets’ keeper in to the top right corner of the goal. Bright’s scoring play was set up by senior Brianna Salverda, who was credited with her first career assist.

Jax State added its second goal in the first 15 minutes off the foot of sophomore Nicola Dominikovich. After Jackie Rush’s shot was blocked by the ASU keeper, Dominikovich finished the scoring threat with a goal. It was her third goal of the season after recording a pair against Mississippi Valley State earlier in the season.

Defensively, the Gamecocks were equally impressive by allowing just five shots for the entire 90 minutes. ASU’s first shot came 30 minutes in to the opening half as Aaliyah Lewis’ attempt was saved by JSU keeper, Meara Johnson. Johnson posted her second shutout of the season.

JSU finished with 19 total shots, including nine on-goal chances. Rush turned in a match-high four shots. Bright tallied three shots, while Dominikovich and Mackenzie Bellows added a pair of shots.
Bellows added JSU’s third goal in the 69th minute after ASU’s Zaria Maynard was issued a yellow card inside the box. Bellows scored her fourth goal of the season after a successful penalty kick.

The Gamecocks wrap up their four-match road trip next weekend with a rare Saturday-only match. The Red and White will trek to Muncie, Indiana to face off with Ball State on Sept. 20. Match time is set for 1 p.m. It will be the second meeting all time between the Gamecocks and Cardinals. The only previous meeting came during the 2001 season in a tournament hosted by Southeast Missouri. BSU claimed a 1-0 decision.